About a month ago, my beautiful spinning wheel was christened when I had my first spinning lesson from Lori Lawson of Capistrano Fiber Arts. Lori made me feel at ease instantly, and since I’d practiced treadling slow and steady for a few days, the only thing I really had to pay attention to were my hands. I’m not sure how to describe the feeling of spinning yarn other than to say it was magical. I was a bit surprised that it felt semi-natural, like it was something I had done before. The only thing I can equate it to is the feeling you get when you do something that you learned many years ago, but haven’t done in a long time, like riding a bike. At first it feels a bit awkward trying to remember about the balancing and steering and pedaling, but after a few minutes of riding, it all comes back to you. That’s what spinning for the first time felt like to me.
I credit most of my ease to Lori, because I really believe that if you have good equipment and a good instructor, you’ll learn a lot quicker and easier. Lori is an amazing instructor and after seeing her beautiful dyeing, spinning and knitting, I knew I was learning from a master artist. In fact, if you’re looking for beautifully hand-dyed fiber (yarn and roving) or handspun yarn from her hand-dyed roving, check out her etsy site.
At the end of my first day of spinning, I had this:
And at the end of the second day of spinning, I had this:
And then, when I filled another bobbin and plied them together, I got this:
Fiber: BFL (Blue Faced Leicester) in Natural
2 ply
330 yards
90 grams
It’s obviously not perfect, but it is my first handspun so I’m proud of it. It’s also not quite thin enough to be sock yarn, although it is close. I have no idea what to do with it though. Right now it’s sitting on the bookcase attached to my desk. For those of you who spin, what did you do with your first handspun? What do all of you knitters think I should do with mine?
And before I forget, I’m going to try and post a couple of times this week and next to try and get caught up. I have so many things to show and tell you, but if I don’t get them all posted here before I go on vacation in 10 days, they’ll probably never get shared.
Ok, now I’m even more intimidated than ever to dive in to spinning. Your first handspun? Really? It’s freaking gorgeous.
I think you should make yourself a pretty little scarf with it. It’d be lovely.
It really looks wonderful. So even and pretty! Great job!
I can’t believe that’s your first handspun. It’s so gorgeous!!! Wow. I’m so impressed.
Where are you going on vacation?
How fun! It’s really beautiful too!
That’s great to be your first handspun!
can’t wait until I get my spinning wheel fixed – I so want to learn this!
That is your *first* yarn?! You are so very clearly a natural at this. I bow to you.
good for you!……..it must be such a great feeling to look at it—i’d stare at it all day
Look who’s a natural!
I totally know what you mean about it being awkward at first but then becoming second nature. I noticed last night that I was focusing an awful lot on what my hands were doing, paying no attention whatsoever to my feet, and yet I continued to treadle normally. It was a great feeling!
Your first handspun is spectacular! I’ll tell you the same thing others have told me — keep it. Put it in a safe place and pull it out a year from now to compare to the yarn you’re spinning then. It’s art!
It’s stunning! Congratulations!
Your handspun is so wonderful. You should be so proud! im proud to know ya!
Keep showing us stuff before you leave. I love to see your posts.
I amazed that this is your first handspun! That is darn near perfect for a first. You are a natural!
Gorgeous for your first handspun! Definately make a pretty scarf or hat with it! So pretty!
wow, it loves lovely!
I’m so impressed with your first handspun!! Beautiful!!
Wow, that looks gorgeous! You sure are learning fast!
I’d make a hat with it, it looks so so soft and beautiful.